Also known as an "upward disturbance of Wind-Phlegm", Wind-Phlegm particularly affects those who overwork, overindulge in rich foods or otherwise lead an irregular lifestyle.

These activities injure the Spleen and Stomach, which in turn impairs their functions of transforming foods, and  thus leads to an accumulation of Dampness, the predecessor of Phlegm.

According to the five elements theory, when the Spleen earth is Deficient, the Liver wood becomes dominant. Its Qi ascends as Wind, carrying the Phlegm along the course of the Lesser Yang Gallbladder and Triple Burner Channels to the head. Veiling the clear Yang and disturbing the sensory orifices, it manifests as dizziness, vertigo, or headache. A distinctive feature of these head symptoms is that the head feels heavy and clouded.

The stifling sensation in the chest and the nausea or vomiting are manifestations of Phlegm obstructing the mechanisms of Qi in the chest and epigastrium. The copious sputum, white, greasy tongue coating, and wiry, slippery pulse all reflect the presence of Phlegm, Wind, and Stagnation.